Russell Westbrook’s 11-year run with the Oklahoma City Thunder is over.
OKC General Manager Sam Presti shipped the eight-time All-Star and 2017 MVP to Houston to reunite with his former teammate, James Harden.
The Rockets had to give up Chris Paul, who has a massive contract that’s basically identical to Westbrook’s. They also sent the Thunder first-round picks in 2024 and 2026, in addition to pick swaps in 2021 and ’25.
Presti isn’t done yet. Paul and his contract — with three years and $124 million remaining on it — will be on the move soon.
Paul’s likely landing spot is Miami. Moving Paul with his contract would be an enormous challenge under normal circumstances.
However, OKC has acquired eight first-round picks by trading Paul George and Westbrook, so it has plenty of assets to send the Heat along with Paul.
The Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas adjusted Houston from 12/1 to 8/1 odds to win the 2020 NBA title. Oklahoma City went from 200/1 to 500/1.
Houston added center Tyson Chandler earlier today, inking the 36-year-old veteran to a one-year deal. Chandler averaged 3.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in limited minutes for the Lakers this past year, but the 2012 Defensive Player of the Year remain an elite rim protector.
Paul averaged 15.6 points, 8.2 assists and 4.6 RPG for Houston this past season. He still plays at a high level, but the 34-year-old Wake Forest product has played only 58, 58 and 61 regular-season games in the past three years.
Westbrook, who is 30, averaged 22.9 PPG in 2018-19. He posted career-best averages in assists (10.7 APG), rebounds (11.1 RPG) and blocked shots (0.5 BPG).